02/16/2026
Why I'm running for the COPA Board - and asking for your support
Hello fellow COPA member and aviation enthusiast,
As you may have seen in COPA’s recent email, I’ve put my name forward as a candidate for the Board of Directors representing Southern Ontario. I’m writing to ask for your support.
Some of you I know personally; others I’ve connected with through my YouTube channel, Wings Over T.O. (https://youtube.com/wingsoverto). If you’ve watched my videos, you know how deeply passionate I am about flying and about the future of general aviation. I decided to run because GA in Canada is facing real headwinds, and I believe we need fresh voices, new ideas, and strong advocacy to ensure it continues to thrive. As a private pilot and aircraft owner (a Beechcraft Sierra hangared at CYOO), I’ve experienced many of these challenges firsthand and would be excited to work with Canadian Owners and Pilots Association and its members to improve access, support, and opportunity for all of us.
So, why me? Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked across tech, healthcare, and commercial real estate, and I’ve served on numerous for-profit and not-for-profit boards. Along the way, I’ve developed deep experience in governance, communications, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. I’ve led startups, worked as a management consultant in both Canada and the U.S., and currently serve on the board of the Beech Aero Club (the global type club for my plane). As a 500-hour, IFR-rated private pilot, aircraft owner, and someone who has flown extensively across central Canada, the eastern U.S., and the Bahamas, I have a practical, firsthand understanding of the issues facing Canadian GA pilots today.
Whether or not you’re currently a COPA member, I’d love to hear from you. What would you like to see improve in Canadian general aviation? Where should COPA focus its advocacy efforts? And how can it better deliver on its mission for pilots and aircraft owners?
If you are a COPA member, I would truly appreciate your vote. If you’re not, I’d be grateful if you would consider sharing this message with someone who is. The election period runs from March 30 to April 10, with voting instructions to be sent directly to members by email.
Thank you for your time and support. I hope to cross paths with you at an airport somewhere this flying season.
Warm regards,
Kamal